What are the functions of tRNA in translation?

tRNA, or transfer RNA, functions in translation by carrying specific amino acids to the ribosome to build a protein.

tRNA, short for transfer RNA, plays a crucial role in the process of translation, which is the synthesis of proteins from messenger RNA (mRNA) sequences. This process takes place in the ribosome, a cellular structure where proteins are assembled. The primary function of tRNA is to act as an adaptor molecule that reads the genetic code from the mRNA and delivers the corresponding amino acids to the ribosome.

Each tRNA molecule is specific to one amino acid. One end of the tRNA molecule, known as the anticodon, is designed to match a specific three-nucleotide sequence, or codon, on the mRNA. The other end of the tRNA molecule is where the corresponding amino acid is attached. When the anticodon of the tRNA pairs with the codon on the mRNA, the tRNA delivers the amino acid to the growing polypeptide chain.

The process begins when the tRNA molecule binds to an amino acid in the cytoplasm. This is facilitated by an enzyme called aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase, which ensures that the correct amino acid is attached to the correct tRNA. Once the tRNA is charged with its amino acid, it can enter the ribosome and participate in translation.

During translation, the ribosome moves along the mRNA, reading the genetic code in groups of three nucleotides. When the anticodon of a tRNA molecule pairs with the corresponding codon on the mRNA, the amino acid carried by the tRNA is added to the growing polypeptide chain. This process continues until the ribosome encounters a stop codon on the mRNA, signalling the end of the protein synthesis.

In summary, tRNA molecules are essential for the process of translation. They carry specific amino acids to the ribosome, where they are added to the growing protein chain. The specificity of tRNA molecules ensures that the genetic code is accurately translated into proteins.